10-Minute Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Published Nov 18, 2022 Updated Feb 02, 2024
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This 10-minute cranberry jalapeno dip is made with simple ingredients and is bursting with flavor. A creamy, spicy dairy free cream cheese mixture topped with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Delicious seasonal flavors make this throw-together appetizer perfect for any occasion.
What Makes This Recipe Great
My newest recipe, cranberry jalapeno dip is a creamy, sweet, and spicy dairy free dip that is simply out of this world. Dairy free cream cheese whipped with green onions, red onions, jalapenos, and lime juice and then smothered in a sweet cranberry sauce mixture. A dip so perfect, you might want to make a double batch!
I love when my family and friends gather together, especially during the holiday season. It’s such a fun, festive season, full of delicious food and so much fun. In my opinion, it’s not a party unless there are amazing, shareable dips that everyone will love.
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dip, this dairy free cream cheese dip is it! With simple ingredients, there’s no need to chop cranberries or caramelize the onions in olive oil. Simply whip the cream cheese mixture, pour over the cranberry sauce, and serve with your favorite bread or crackers!
Ingredient Notes
FULL RECIPE IN RECIPE CARD
Cream Cheese: I used KiteHill dairy free cream cheese, which has a great taste. Let it sit out and get to room temperature as softened cream cheese will work best for this recipe.
Jalapeños: Remove the seeds and dice finely.
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper: Use this to taste.
Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice works best for this cranberry jalapeno dip, but a bottle of lime juice will work in a pinch.
Green & Red Onions: Chop the green onions, plus more for garnish. Dice the red onions finely.
Canned Cranberry Sauce: Use a can that includes whole berries. See the ingredients photo for the can I used. If you want to make homemade cranberry sauce out of fresh cranberries you can, but a can works just fine.
Recipe Step by Step
1. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature then whip using a handheld mixer, getting a nice whipped cream cheese texture. Next, add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, diced jalapeños, and diced green and red onions. Mix until combined.
2. Add the cream cheese mixture to a serving platter of choice. Spread it out into an even layer.
3. Pour the cranberry sauce over the top of the cream cheese mixture and spread out using a spoon. This will be the top layer.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve with the crackers of your choice.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Pro Tips
Serving: Serve this dairy free dip with your favorite crackers, pretzels, pita chips, potato chips, baguette, and more.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Dairy: You can also use regular cream cheese if you are not dairy free.
Gluten-Free: To keep this gluten-free, I love using Simple Mills rosemary or regular sea salt crackers for dipping.
Food Processor: You can use a food processor instead of a hand mixer if preferred.
Make Ahead: This cranberry jalapeño dip will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Prep the cream cheese mixture a few days before your gathering and store in the fridge. Do not add the cranberry sauce over the top of the cream cheese until you’re ready to serve it.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Here’s my Whole30 and Paleo cranberry sauce recipe if you prefer to make it homemade.
It has a kick, but it’s not too spicy. The cream cheese cuts the spice really well. Removing the seeds from the jalapeno really helps remove some spice as well. If you have a mild tolerance for spice, you can use half of the amount of jalapeno. If you’d like it spicier, use more.
Absolutely. If you don’t need this to be dairy free dip and want to use regular cream cheese, feel free. I always prefer Philadelphia plain cream cheese, but use your favorite brand.
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10-Minute Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz containers dairy-free cream cheese I used Kite Hill or regular cream cheese if not DF
- 2 fresh jalapeños seeds removed and finely diced
- 2-3 Tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions plus more for garnish
- 1 14 oz can cranberry sauce with whole berries
Instructions
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature then whip using a handheld mixer, getting a nice whipped cream cheese texture. Next, add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, diced jalapeños, and diced green and red onions. Mix until combined.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to a serving platter of choice. Spread it out into an even layer.
- Pour the cranberry sauce over the top of the cream cheese mixture and spread out using a spoon. This will be the top layer.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with the crackers of your choice.
Notes
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Equipment
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this for a family party and it was devoured!!! Great recipe!! Will make for every occasion!
So happy to hear this! Glad you enjoyed it.
My friend made this for our Holiday party last evening and it was a hit! Delicious mix of flavors and so yummy! Highly recommend if you need simple appetizer.
So happy to hear this. Happy Holidays!
2nd time making it this week!! I’m not a cranberry fan so it was a risk. I LOVED it!! (And so did everyone else!)